The present experiment was aimed to study the effect of imposing modulated temperature treatments 14°C and 18°C, around the fruiting region of watermelon plants, and to estimate the economic feasibility of the temperature treatments based on energy consumption for heating. Watermelon cultivar 'Sambok-gul' was selected and sown on perlite beds in a plastic house under controlled conditions at Watermelon Farm, Jeongeup-Jeonbuk, longitude 35°31′ 47.51N, 126°48′48.84E, altitude 37 m during the early spring season (2010)(2011). The findings revealed that the temperature treatment at 18°C caused significant increase in weight (2.0 kg plant −1 ), fruit weight (8.3 kg plant −1 ), soluble solid content (11.5 %), and fruit set rate (96.5 %) at harvest stage. Higher contents of Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ions were observed in the 1st upper leaf of the fruit set node (79.3 mgL −1 ) and the 1st lower leaf of the fruit set node (12.0 mgL −1 ), respectively at 14°C. The power consumption and extra costs of the temperature treatment 18°C were suggested as affordable and in range of a farmer's budget (41.14 USD/22 days). Hence, it was concluded that modulating temperature treatments could be utilized successfully to optimize the temperature range for enhancing the fruit yield and quality in the winter watermelon crops.
One of the main factors restricting production of triploid seedless watermelon is poor germination due to weak embryos, thick seed coats, and larger air spaces. This study was carried out to investigate the priming effects of different concentrations of chemicals, including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), fusicoccin, and gibberellic acid (GA) on germination and seedling uniformity of triploid watermelon (Citrullus lanatus). Three commercial triploid cultivars, Seedless Plus, Sinus, and Sizero, were pretreated with water and different levels of H2O2 (2 and 4%), fusicoccin (FC: 1, 5, and 10 µM), and GA (1, 5, and 10 µM). The present findings helped to find optimal priming conditions for improving germination of triploid watermelon. Treatment with 5 µM GA and hydropriming helped to break seed dormancy, enhancing the final germination percentages in all triploid cultivars and increasing the germination index in Sizero. These seed-priming treatments could be used on large scale for industrial applications. Moreover, hydropriming provides a simple, effective, and costless method to improve seed germination and seedling vigor of Sinus and Sizero varieties.
Edible vaccine technology represents an alternative to fermentation based vaccine production system. Transgenic plants are used for the production of plant derived specific vaccines with native immunogenic properties stimulating both humoral and mucosal immune responses. Keeping in view the practical need of new technology for production and delivery of inexpensive vaccines, especially in developing world, plant derived edible vaccines is the best option in hand to combat infectious diseases. Plant derived vaccine is easy to administer, cost effective, readily acceptable, have increased safety, stability, versatility and efficacy. Several plant derived vaccines are under research, some are under clinical trials for commercial use. Like most biotechnology products, the IP situation for edible vaccines is complex as IP rights influence every stage of vaccine development.
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